A few months ago, a dear friend assisted me in recognizing that I have an addiction to food. In exploring this addiction and in learning about addiction in general, I have reached a conclusion. I believe that at the root of most, if not all addictions, is the desire to avoid something. Therefore, for me at least, the true addiction is avoidance. If I don't want to feel whatever I'm feeling, I will seek out something or someone to distract me so I can avoid feeling those things. If I don't want to do something, I will seek out something or someone to distract me so I can avoid doing those things.
These are new realizations for me, and, unfortunately, some aspects of my life have become unmanageable because of my addiction to avoidance. I am grateful to have come to these realizations. Now I can begin to consciously make different choices.
Is the desire to avoid some of these things still there? Big time. It will probably always be there. Do I want to continue down the path of destruction by giving into it? No, and I know, with God's help, I can develop healthier habits and overcome this part of my "natural man."
